KTBB News, Weather, Talk

RUSK — A woman arrested after an April high speed chase in East Texas has been charged in the crime. Jennifer Cross, 33, was indicted on three counts of evading arrest and one count of tampering with physical evidence. According to authorities, Cross led state troopers on a chase along Highway 69 for more than 35 miles. Reports of the incident said one trooper was forced to stop Cross by spiking her car tires. Officials say she crashed into a street sign in Rusk.

TYLER — Along with a new school year, there are some changes to one East Texas school district. Following the 160.5 million dollar bond approved for the Tyler Independent School District, Robert E. Lee has seen some upgrades. A new iron fence now surrounds the perimeter of the entire campus. According to KETK, because of the new fence there are some new traffic rules until further notice. Continue reading New School Year, New Changes

NEW BOSTON (AP) – The estranged husband of a Texas woman charged with sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has won temporary custody of the couple’s newborn son. The Texarkana Gazette reports a judge in New Boston on Monday granted temporary custody to Nathaniel Richardson. He’s divorcing Shannon Guess Richardson, who remains in federal custody and faces a competency hearing Wednesday in Texarkana. The incarcerated woman gave birth July 4 to a premature son. She wasn’t present at the custody hearing. An affidavit says Shannon Richardson tried to implicate her husband in the ricin letters before her June 7 arrest in Mt. Pleasant. He has not been charged. Shannon Richardson has been accused of sending tainted letters to Obama, Bloomberg and to a leader of the mayor’s gun-control group.

TYLER — Opening day enrollment in the Tyler school district is off from opening day last year. First day enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year totaled 17,048, while enrollment for the first day of classes in the 2012-2013 school year was 17,319. School officials say first day of school enrollment numbers fluctuate from year to year, and District leaders anticipate enrollment changing in the coming weeks. Continue reading TISD Releases 1st Day of School Attendance Numbers

KEMP — Authorities are looking for a man the say entered the Kemp Junior High School and tried to abduct two girls. They say the man entered the school on August 19th, and approached the two students in an inappropriate way. School Superintendent Sam Swierc said on the district’s web site, “there was no abduction, kidnapping or assault as some sources are indicating.” Continue reading An Attempted Abduction at a Kemp School

LONGVIEW — One person has been seriously injured in a Longview shooting. It happened Sunday night shortly after 11:15 in the 300 Block of Hughes Street. The victim, who was able to call 9-1-1, told officers he opened the door and someone shot him. Officers found Michael Boyd, 40, lying on the floor inside the home. Longview police say Boyd was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing.

LONGVIEW — If you’re driving through Gregg County, look around. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report that one in every six vehicles you see in the county is driven by someone who is uninsured — the highest rate in Northeast Texas. Farmers Insurance Agent Tony Glanton in Marshall said he’s seen his share of liability claims resulting from clients who are hit by uninsured drivers. “One out of every five liability claims I process deals with an accident involving an uninsured driver,” Glanton said. Continue reading One in Six Gregg County Drivers Uninsured

LONGVIEW — Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects in multiple burglary and credit card abuse cases. In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 25th, Gregg County Deputies responded to several vehicle burglaries in the Tryon Road area of Gregg County. Unknown suspects took several personal items including wallets and credit cards from the vehicles. According to officials, surveillance video at a local convenience store shows the suspects and their vehicle when they were using one of the stolen credit cards. Anyone with information concerning the suspects is asked to contact Investigator Floyd Wingo at (903) 237-2532 or Crime Stoppers at (903) 236-STOP.

WINONA — The inside of a house in Winona was destroyed by fire Sunday afternoon. Firefighters tell KETK an air conditioner most likely sparked the flames. The fire was reported around 12:45 along the 1100 block of Dallas Street. Firefighters say a woman and her three kids were home at the time but all managed to get out safely.

TYLER — Police have captured a suspect in a robbery that occurred at Sonic, 102 Loop 323 NNW in Tyler. Police say the suspect was in possession of a vehicle stolen during the incident. At Approximately 12:44 Monday morning, officers observed the stolen Volkswagen Jetta pulling into the Food Fast located at 5120 Old Jacksonville Hwy in Tyler. The suspect, who was identified as Paul Brant Fowler 38, of Tyler, was taken into custody without incident. Fowler was booked into the Smith County Jail for robbery of individual. Continue reading Tyler Individual Robbed; Suspect Caught

TYLER – You could hear the boos and cheers from outside the UT Tyler Ornelas Activities Center as a debate was held Saturday night on CSCOPE. According to KETK, everyone in attendance seemed to have extreme opinions — either loving it or hating the optional curriculum of online lesson plans designed to help teachers adhere to state academic requirements. Basically, it is a guideline for teachers to follow as they plan their year. It is used in 877 school districts across the state, nearly 80 percent of Texas Schools. Continue reading CSCOPE Issue Debated in Tyler

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

TYLER – This week in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to resume shoulder work on Interstate Highway 20 between Farm Road 2015 and U.S. Highway 271. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Looking ahead to September, TxDOT contract construction crews from APAC-Texas, Inc. are scheduled to begin work on Tuesday, September 3 to add a center turn lane to Farm Road 14 between County Road 328 and County Road 329. The $932,000 project is scheduled for completion in 2014. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

TYLER — A report in the social media of an attempted child abduction in Tyler turns out to be false. The youngster later admitted he made up the story. It all started with a 9-1-1 call just after 1:30 Sunday afternoon. Officers were told that a ten year old boy had walked out of south Tyler restaurant to his father’s car to retrieve a cell phone. He said a white male approached him and attempted to force him into a vehicle. The boy screamed and fought back enabling him to escape. There were no witnesses to the offense and all of the information about the incident came from the child. During the course of the investigation it was found that several of the statements by the boy did not make sense or even appear to be possible. After over an hour of investigation the boy admitted that he had made the entire story up and that there had not been any attempt to abduct him. The boy was unharmed and no charges will be filed in this case.

TATUM (AP) — A small East Texas town barely a half-hour from the Louisiana border has relied on coal mining and power plants for jobs and economic development for generations. One of the region’s major mining companies is on the brink of bankruptcy. Aside from the potential economic damage, heavily mined land around Tatum could go unrestored. Luminant and its parent company are struggling with more than $30 billion in debt. But the state has allowed Luminant Mining Co. to expand without a reserve fund to pay for reclamation. To do so, it must produce an unaudited financial statement every 90 days. The company insists it has enough money to meet its responsibilities. Environmental groups are worried that if Luminant has to file for bankruptcy, the reclamation bill will fall to taxpayers.

TYLER — Human trafficking is a visible global problem. KETK reports Smith County law enforcement held a public seminar on Saturday to bring awareness to fight against human trafficking. Officials say it’s a growing problem in Texas and right here in East Texas. Executive Director JoAnn Fleming of Grassroots America – We the People remarked, “Right here in our own backyard, so that is just not acceptable.” The issue involves sex trafficking and human smuggling, and officials say it’s targeting innocent women, men, and children every year. Continue reading Local Residents Address Human Trafficking

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department reminds Longview area motorists that with the beginning of the school year, drivers are asked to be extra vigilant about safety while operating their vehicles on the roadways. A few other driving tips include:

– School zones will be closely monitored by patrol and traffic units and not all school zones have signs with flashing lights.
– Watch for children at crosswalks and other areas near schools where they may be attempting to cross the street.
– When school buses are stopped for loading or unloading and their red flashing lights are activated, it is illegal to pass a bus. Continue reading Longview Police Issue Safety Advisory for Start of School

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department reminds you that local public schools are back in session Monday and most private schools have already started. Police say their goal is to help keep kids safe, and they’ve issued a few reminders about safety tips for children returning to school.

School Zones : Last school year officers issued 2,585 citations for speeding in a school zone and 626 citations for cell phone usage in a school zone.
* Be alert for the school zone signs posted near schools.
* Keep alert for the children and the crossing guards as they make their way across the street.
* Slow down and prepare to stop if the crossing guard so indicates. Continue reading Tyler Police Issue Back to School Safety Tips

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas takes another step in its continued battle against the problem of unwanted animals. Over the weekend, the agency held the first in a series of adoption days at its temporary facility at 5318 Old Bullard Road in Tyler. The SPCA’s Deborah Tittle-Dobbs told KETK, “Every Saturday from 10:00 till 4:00, we will be there with our dogs. We’re also partnering with O’Malley’s Alley Cats, and they rescue cats and kittens, so O’Malley’s will be there with us.” Tittle-Dobbs says the facility and program offer a temporary solution while the SPCA works toward a permanent facility on Grande Boulevard. You can go to http://www.spcaeasttx.com to find out more about the local SPCA and its work.

LONGVIEW — One person was last reported in critical condition following a two-vehicle wreck in Longview. Longview police officer Kristie Brian tells KETK the accident happened just after 6:30 Saturday night at the intersection of H.G. Mosley and West Marshall Avenue. Police say a Toyota Tacoma truck carrying a trailer, and an SUV were involved in the accident. Details are limited at this time. We will continue to keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.

TYLER – Tyler ISD administrators, teachers, and staff enjoyed a morning of inspiration and celebration at a district-wide Convocation event held Friday at Green Acres Baptist Church, according to a TISD news release. The event focused on the “I AM Tyler ISD” theme that celebrates the many success stories of alumni, according to school officials. Superintendent Gary Mooring also thanked the more than 2,600 employees for what school officials term their immense dedication in helping Tyler ISD students succeed. Continue reading Tyler ISD Kicks Off School Year with Convocation Event

PALESTINE — A missing person report has now turned into a death investigation. KETK reports that on August 16, Linda Kay Blackshire of Palestine was reported as a missing person. The report was filed by a close friend of Blackshire’s. On the night of August 17, Blackshire’s car was located near Richland Chambers Lake on FM 488 in Freestone County. Officials say the car was located on the side of the road in good condition. There were no signs of foul play and no signs of a struggle at the location. Police located the keys, a cell phone, and Ms. Blackshire’s purse still inside the car. On Monday, the body of a woman was located in the water at Richland Chambers Lake just south of the dam. An autopsy was conducted, and the body was identified as Blackshire. Continue reading Missing Palestine Woman’s Body Found in Lake

AUSTIN — 29-year-old Ray Hawkins, Jr., of Jacksonville, was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force Thursday afternoon in south Austin without incident, according to authorities. KETK reports that Hawkins was sought by Cherokee County authorities for his alleged involvement in three armed robberies of Jacksonville convenience stores. Officials say others involved in this case have been convicted and sentenced. Continue reading Armed Robbery Suspect from Jacksonville Caught in Austin

CANTON — Van Zandt County Sheriff’s deputies arrested John Michael Miller Jr., 28, Canton, just after 9:00 Wednesday night at I-20 and State Highway 64. Miller was wanted on a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after Miller allegedly fired several rounds from a 9mm handgun at a Canton man the previous evening. Upon arrest, deputies recovered meth and drug paraphernalia in addition to ballistic body armor, illegal weapons and suspected stolen property. Miller was taken to the Van Zandt County jail where he remains under a $50,000 bond. The incident is still under investigation and the Sheriff’s Office anticipates the filing of additional charges.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a report of a burglary on the East Texas Medical Center campus early this morning. According to officers, it happened around 2:55 at ETMC’s marketing services building at 815 Beckham Avenue. Drew Pace, Tyler, 22, was arrested by Tyler P-D after he was detained by hospital security. Hospital employees said they noticed the building had been burglarized and saw Pace walking away from the location. They said he was covered in blood with numerous cuts on his arms and legs. One of the buildings windows was shattered with blood found all around. Pace was treated by paramedics and taken into custody. He was booked into the Smith County Jail for burglary of a building and possession of marijuana.

TYLER — A minivan/motorcycle accident has sent two persons to East Texas Medical Center for treatment of non life threatening injuries. The accident happened around 5:15 Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Loop 323 and Donnybrook. Investigators said Tony Peters, from Flint, was operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on the loop. Scott Plummer, of Tyler, was operating a Dodge Caravan eastbound on the loop in the inside lane. Tony Peters appears to have failed to yield right-of-way and turned into the path of Scott Plummer to go south on Donnybrook. Tony Peters was thrown onto the hood of Scott Plummer’s vehicle. Plummer was also injured in the crash.

NEW BOSTON (AP/STAFF) — Authorities say a teenager has died in an apparent accidental shooting while with several other youths at a car wash in Northeast Texas. The victim is identified as high school senior Semaj Williams, a member of the football team. Police Chief Tony King says officers are investigating who had the gun when it discharged Wednesday night. King says the shooting of the youth does not appear to be intentional and nobody was immediately arrested. An autopsy has been ordered. Some officials with the New Boston Independent School District went to the scene following the shooting. The first day of the new school year in New Boston is next Monday.

KILGORE — A traffic stop by Kilgore Police had led to two men facing drug charges. Police found in the men’s car 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale and numerous small plastic bags. They also found a forged check, stolen checkbook and debit card, as well as stolen jewelry. KETK reports police arrested Bobby Lee Hampton, 38, of Hallsville and Dale Schelling, 26, of Longview. Continue reading Two Busted for Drugs in Kilgore

TYLER — Accused kidnapper/killer James Calvert appeared at a pre-trial hearing Wednesday in Tyler. KETK reports Calvert’s being charged with capital murder, kidnapping, and evading arrest. He’s accused of killing his ex-wife last October. Jelena Sriraman, 30, was found shot to death in a house on Bain Place in Tyler. Police said Calvert took off with his son Lucas, prompting an Amber Alert. Authorities located the two in Louisiana, and Lucas was found safe. Calvert’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 30.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Joel Baker has issued a burn ban for Smith County, effective immediately, due to extremely dry conditions. The burn ban is effective for seven days, and may be renewed upon review of conditions next Thursday. “We have been monitoring the situation closely and have determined that a burn ban is necessary. Many factors are considered prior to the issuance of a burn ban, and I always consult with the County Fire Marshal in evaluating the issuance of such an order,” Judge Baker said. Continue reading Burn Ban Issued for Smith County

LONGVIEW — The intersection of Tryon Road and Hollybrook Drive is again open to traffic along Tryon Road. In addition, a small portion of Hollybrook Drive has reopened to provide access to the J. L. Everhart Elementary School in time for the new school year. According to a news release from the city of Longview, Hollybrook Drive is still closed from Eastman Road to J.L. Everhart and from Loop 281 to Tryon Road. Continue reading Tryon Road Intersection Partially Reopens